Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland, part of the endocrine system responsible for producing hormones. The thyroid gland regulates heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include hoarseness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the lymph nodes. Treatment options may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and surgical intervention.

What is Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland. Located just below the Adam’s apple in a butterfly shape, the thyroid regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. In its early stages, thyroid cancer often causes no symptoms, but it may later present with signs such as neck swelling and hoarseness. With several different types, thyroid cancer may grow slowly in some cases, while in others it can develop aggressively.

Types of thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is classified according to the type of cell in which it develops. The main types of thyroid cancer include:

• Papillary: Accounting for about 80% of thyroid cancers, this type grows slowly and often spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck. Papillary thyroid cancer is considered highly treatable.
• Follicular: Making up roughly 15% of cases, this type has a higher likelihood of spreading to the bones and lungs. Treatment becomes more challenging in metastatic cases.
• Medullary: Representing around 2% of thyroid cancers, about one-quarter of patients with medullary thyroid cancer have a family history of the disease.
• Anaplastic: The most aggressive and difficult type to treat. It grows rapidly and often spreads to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of thyroid cancer usually appear as a lump or swelling caused by a thyroid nodule. While most nodules are benign, tests are required to determine whether they are malignant.

Common symptoms of thyroid cancer include:

• Hoarseness or changes in the voice
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck

Symptoms of metastatic thyroid cancer may include:

• Fatigue and tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss

Thyroid cancer symptoms in females

Thyroid cancer is a condition that occurs more frequently in women, and its symptoms often develop insidiously. The main symptoms of thyroid cancer in females can be listed as follows:

• A sensation of pressure or fullness in the throat
• Swelling or a noticeable lump in the neck
• Hoarseness or a deepening of the voice
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Shortness of breath
• Pain radiating to the neck or ears
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

What Causes Thyroid Cancer

Some cells in the body may undergo mutations, becoming malignant and subsequently attacking the thyroid. This condition is often associated with radiation exposure, iodine-deficient nutrition, and defective genes. Other risk factors for thyroid cancer can be listed as follows:

• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
• Family history of thyroid cancer
• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Genetic mutations and alterations
• Low iodine intake
• Obesity
• History of radiotherapy to the head and neck during childhood

How is Thyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

If there is an enlargement in a thyroid nodule or the presence of other symptoms suggestive of cancer, several diagnostic tests may be recommended. These include:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels and evaluate thyroid function
• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy, in which cells are extracted from the thyroid nodule to test for malignancy
• Radioiodine scan
• Imaging studies

Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Treatment planning for thyroid cancer depends on the size of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread. The main treatment options include:

Thyroid cancer surgery

This is the most common treatment method. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the surgeon may remove part of the thyroid gland.

Radioiodine therapy

In this approach, a capsule or liquid containing a high dose of radioactive iodine is ingested, which works to shrink and destroy cancer cells.

Radiation therapy

Radiation is used to kill thyroid cancer cells and inhibit their growth.

Chemotherapy

Administered intravenously or orally, chemotherapy drugs target and destroy cancer cells while halting their proliferation.

Hormone therapy

This treatment prevents the release of hormones that could contribute to the spread or recurrence of the cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid Cancer

Can thyroid conditions effect your heart rate?

Overactivity of the thyroid gland may lead to palpitations and an accelerated heart rate.

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

Early warning signs of thyroid disorders include sudden weight changes, fatigue, neck swelling, hair loss, and cardiac rhythm disturbances.

Why thyroid cancer is called good cancer?

Thyroid cancer progresses slowly and, when detected at an early stage, can be effectively controlled through surgery and treatment.

How does the thyroid gland affect the metabolic rate?

Thyroid hormones regulate the production and utilization of energy in the body. Excess levels accelerate metabolism, while deficiency slows it down.

Is thyroid cancer curable at the late stage?

Although treatment becomes more challenging at advanced stages, surgery, radioiodine, chemotherapy, and emerging therapies can help prolong survival.

What are the red flags for thyroid cancer?

Warning signs of thyroid cancer include a rapidly enlarging neck mass, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.

Which department should I visit for thyroid cancer?

For thyroid cancer, patients are first referred to the endocrinology department. Following diagnosis, surgical management is undertaken by otolaryngology or general surgery.

How long can you have thyroid cancer without knowing?

Thyroid cancer often follows a silent course and may develop within a thyroid nodule for years without producing symptoms.